A study of the Nature's Path Organic Flax Plus Pumpkin Flax Granola box is an ultra positive experience for those who care about the earth. It has several encouraging logos and information about the family-run American company.

Nature's Path Flax Plus Pumpkin Flax GranolaNature's Path Foods Inc.

Nature's Path Flax Plus Pumpkin Flax Granola

ALA OMEGA-3The front of the box states that the Pumpkin Flax Granola is an excellent source of ala omega-3 and contains 5 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein and 0 grams of trans fat per 55 gram serving.

INGREDIENTSA review of the ingredients list shows all but the sea salt and tocopherols marked with an asterisk as organic including rolled oats, evaporated cane juice, soy oil, brown rice flour, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, oat syrup solids, molasses, and cinnamon. There are no hydrogenated fats or high fructose corn syrup in this cereal, but it does contain soy and has that warning. Read the suggested articles on the truth about soy products. It also warns that the cereal is "produced in a facility that uses wheat, peanuts or tree nuts."

FAMILY RUN U.S. COMPANYThe green icing on the cake is that there is a message on one side signed by Arran Stephens, Founder & Garden-keeper, that explains the company, located in Blaine, Washington, is family-run and independent. The Nature's Path Organic logo on the front of the box notes "3 generations".

Arran says that he learned the importance of being a good steward of the land from growing up on an organic farm. His father Rupert taught him, "Always leave the Earth better than you found it." That affects everything they do at Nature's Path in putting people first, tracking down super foods, "supporting family & organic gardening, championing wildlife conservation and showing leadership in support for food banks and urban gardens."

If a consumer is not "thrilled" with the product, the company asks that they be contacted on the website and they will "make things right." They also list their Facebook facebook.com/naturespath and twitter @naturespath sites.

USDA ORGANICUSDA

USDA ORGANIC

The first on the box front is the USDA Organic label that certifies it is made with organic products. A side panel notes that it is third-party certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI) and displays the logo as proof.

On the package back under CERTIFIED ORGANIC, it says "Unlike 'natural' label claims, certified organic products are guaranteed to have been grown without chemical herbicides and pesticides, and there are never synthetic preservatives or additives. Because really, who wants any of that for breakfast?"

WHOLE GRAIN Whole Grain Council

WHOLE GRAIN

The side panel bears the Whole Grain Council logo that says the cereal has 31 grams (this picture that says 8 grams is a logo example) or more of whole grains per serving. It is suggested that consumers eat 48 grams or more of whole grains daily.

On the back of the box under WHOLE GRAINS, it explains that "Foods made from whole grains have all the essential parts and naturally-occurring nutrients of the entire grain seed, and the Whole Grain Stamp'll let you know how much you are getting per serving."

NON GMO PROJECT VERIFIEDNon Gmo Project

NON GMO PROJECT VERIFIED

The NON GMO PROJECT VERIFIED logo appears on the package top along with the Non Gmo Project websitenongmoproject.org. Further explanation on the back of the box says "'GMO' stands for 'Genetically Modified Organisms'. Doesn't sound too tasty, does it? The Non-Gmo Project doesn't think so, and their verification ensures you our products are made in a kitchen - not in a lab."

The Non-GMO Project is a 501c3, the only one in North America that provides third party verification and labeling for non-GMO food and products.

EnviroBox™Nature's Path Foods Inc.

EnviroBox™

One side panel has the EnviroBox™ "Less Package. More Sustainable" symbol with the explanation "We're committed to being as sustainable as possible, which is why we are always trying to make our packaging as small as we can. That said, you may have noticed this box is a bit smaller that it used to be - with the same amount of cereal."

The logo was registered as a U.S. federal trademark by Nature's Path Foods Inc. in 2004.

RECYCLEpublic domain

RECYCLE

On the box side is the Universal Recycling Symbol with the words noting that the box is made of "100% recycled paperboard". The logo originated with the Container Corporation of America in a contest in 1970 won by Gary Anderson, a University of Southern California student. The company applied for a design trademark which was challenged so it became public domain.

KOSHERthe Union

KOSHER

There is also the U in the circle logo showing that the cereal is certified "Kosher". Nature's Path Foods hired a Rabbi's services to inspect and verify that the company complies with the strict regulations of the Union.

Share this article

Comments

Kate Story has had careers as a teacher and trainer, a computer analyst for an international corporation, and a licensed realtor in SC, NC, and FL in her thirty years of employment. She has ECO certification from Asheville, is a member of the Green Building Council, buys and "greens" existing homes and promotes green building in the Greenville, SC area. She was an exhibitor at the annual Southern Energy & Environment Expo in Etowah, NC until its recent closing. its closing in 2011. She is an environmental and sustainability activist and member of Environmental Educators of NC,Green Building Products, and Bright Green Talent. Her current project is building a greenhouse with recycled glass bottles.
Contact Kate at greenerbuilt1@gmail.com